Jun 26, 2019 – Quebec has introduced three important changes to its selection system, as the immigration ministry (MIDI) prepares to issue the first invites from the Arrima portal.
A regulation effective June 26, 2019 makes the following changes:
1) Existing Profiles Get Extra 6 Months Validity
All profiles registered in the Expression of Interest Bank as of June 26, 2019 will have their validity prolonged by 6 months.
This gives those who registered profiles as far back at September 2018 a fair chance to receive an Invitation to Apply once draws begin, understood to be happening imminently.
The Quebec Expression of Interest system opened in September 2018, but no draw has been conducted to date. This is because the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec has pushed through Bill 9 to scrap the backlog of applications under the olQSW system. This happened earlier in June.
2) Invited Candidates Get Reduced 60 Days To Submit Applications
Candidates receiving an Invitation to Apply have their window of opportunity to submit a complete application reduced from 90 to 60 days.
The reduction from 90 to 60 days is designed to provide a kickstart to the Quebec Skilled Worker immigration system, by getting candidates to submit their applications quickly.
It means candidates need to have their affairs in order and their applications ready, should they receive an Invitation to Apply.
3) Profiles of Candidates Who Decline Invitations To Remain In Quebec EOI Bank
The profiles of candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply, but choose to decline, will remain in the Quebec Expression of Interest Bank for the duration of their validity
1. Candidates submit an online expression of interest profile to the MIDI.
2. Profiles enter into an Expression of Interest pool, where they are ranked against each other and are valid for 12-months.
3. Profiles will be classified in two categories: one for candidates who are living in Quebec or have a job offer and meet specific criteria, and the another for candidates living outside Quebec and meet specific criteria.
4. The highest-ranking candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Quebec Certificate of Selection under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
5. Quebec will conduct periodic draws, inviting candidates to apply for a Quebec certificate of selection (CSQ).
6. Candidates receiving an invitation have 60 days to submit a full application.
7. Approved candidates who receive a nomination certificate (CSQ) may then apply for Canadian permanent residence.
